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Methyl salicylate topical (for the skin) is used for temporary relief of muscle or joint pain caused by strains, sprains, arthritis, bruising, or backaches.

Methyl salicylate topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using methyl salicylate topical if you have any allergies (especially to aspirin or other salicylates), or if you have a serious medical condition.

It is not known whether methyl salicylate topical will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

It is not known whether methyl salicylate topical passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not apply methyl salicylate topical to your breast area if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not use this medication on a child younger than 12 years old without medical advice.

Methyl Salicylate Topical Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Wash the skin and get medical attention right away if you have severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering of the skin where you applied this medication.

Less serious side effects may include a mild cold or burning sensation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Methyl Salicylate Topical Interactions

Avoid getting this medication in your mouth, nose, rectum, or vagina. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose, genitals, or rectum until the medication has been washed off your hands. Also avoid handling food while the medication is still on your hands.

It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied methyl salicylate. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Methyl Salicylate Topical Dosage

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Make sure your skin is clean and dry before you apply methyl salicylate topical.

Do not apply methyl salicylate to open wounds, or to skin that is sunburned, windburned, dry, chapped, or otherwise irritated.

When using methyl salicylate topical cream, gel, lotion, oil, ointment, or spray: apply a thin layer to the affected area and rub in gently until completely absorbed.

To use the liquid or stick, uncap the applicator and press it firmly on your skin to apply the medication. Massage gently onto the affected are until completely absorbed.

To apply a methyl salicylate topical skin patch, remove the liner and apply the patch to your skin over the area of pain. Press the edges firmly into place. Remove the patch and apply a new patch 1 or 2 times daily if needed.

Methyl salicylate topical may be used up to 4 times daily or as directed on the medicine label.

Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after applying methyl salicylate topical or handling the skin patch. If you have applied the medicine to your hands or fingers to treat pain in those areas, wait at least 30 minutes before washing your hands.

To keep the medication from getting on your fingers when you apply it, you may use a rubber glove, finger cot, cotton ball, or clean tissue to apply the medicine.

Methyl salicylate can cause a cold or burning sensation wherever it is applied. This sensation is usually mild and should gradually lessen over time.

If the burning sensation is painful or causes significant discomfort, wash the treated skin area with soap and cool water. Get medical attention right away if you have severe burning, pain, swelling, or blistering.

Do not cover treated skin with a bandage or heating pad, which can increase the burning sensation. You may cover the skin with clothing.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Also avoid getting this medication on contact lenses, dentures, and other items that come into contact with sensitive areas of your body.

Avoid applying methyl salicylate right after bathing or shaving. Using this medication on freshly shaved skin areas can cause severe skin irritation.

Call your doctor if your pain does not improve after using this medication for 7 days, or if your symptoms get worse or get better and then come back in a few days.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat, in a place where children and pets cannot get to it.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed this medication.

Since methyl salicylate topical is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor promptly if your symptoms do not improve after using methyl salicylate topical.

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Drugs A-Z provides drug information from Everyday Health and our partners, as well as ratings from our members, all in one place. Cerner Multum™ provides the data within some of the Basics, Side Effects, Interactions, and Dosage tabs. The information within the Reviews and FAQ tabs is proprietary to Everyday Health.

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